Patient compliance

Patient compliance

When we talk about patient compliance, I think there is a general misguided view of this concept. I know that when I first hear that a patient is noncompliant my immediate reaction is negative. However, something that I am working to change is this reaction. Noncompliance can be frustrating for nurses and other providers but ultimately when we see non-compliance this can be a good sign that a patient wants to be engaged with their healthcare in a more active and participatory way (Falvo, 2011). In Alma’s situation collaboration would be a valuable avenue for improving her compliance with the procedure and post-procedure recovery. This collaboration should occur between Alma, the physician overseeing/ performing the procedure, the nurse(s) assisting with her care, as well as any other members of the care team who will be involved in her care. Ideally, this collaboration would incorporate a lot of communication between the providers and Alma to better understand her medical history, her lifestyle behaviors, and her hesitations/ issues with the care being provided (Rothenberg, 2003). By collaborating directly with Alma the providers then have the opportunity to create a patient-based plan to engage Alma in her care. This can include education, asking the patient questions about her lifestyle and trying to adapt post-procedure recovery to her needs and preferences as is possible or other ways to empower Alma to be an active participant in her healthcare experience rather than feeling like she is just getting a procedure because she was told to get it.

References

Falvo, D. R. (2011). Effective patient education. Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Rothenberg, G. M. (2003). How to facilitate better patient compliance. Podiatry Today. How would you use collaboration to assist in compliance with a patient as difficult as Alma?

 

ackie Engelsma